A run worthy of heroes

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 3280 co-sponsored the Run for Heroes April 6 at Ned Houk Park in Clovis.

U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal

A participant in the 1st annual Run for Heroes adjusts their runner's bib before the race April 6 at Ned Houk Park in Clovis. The event featured a 5 and 10K, as well as a 400M dash for children and drew in members stationed at Cannon Air Force Base as well as the surrounding communities.

The 5K, 10K, and 400 meter dash featured in the event drew in members from Cannon Air Force Base, and surrounding communities.

More than $1,400 was raised which will directly benefit the Airman Leadership School Hall of Heroes Program on base and the Special Operations Wounded Warrior Foundation.

The Hall of Heroes was established eight years ago by Cannon's own Airman Leadership School to recognize fellow service members. The distinct veterans recognized are commemorated with a shadow-box displaying mementos from their service in the military mounted on a wall in the Landing Zone at Cannon.

The Special Operations Wounded Warrior Foundation is a top-rated, non-profit organization that supports military Special Operations Forces members and their families through various programs.

U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal

Runners in the 1st annual Run for Heroes line up at the starting line before the race.

"I really wanted to do this event to raise money for all the military members who have served our country," said Staff Sgt. Amber Daniels, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron ALS instructor. "This is a great way to try and give back to the Cannon Hall of Heroes program and ensure we give the best recognition to those future members that will be inducted and honored."

According to Daniels, the event provided an opportunity to give to charities that work to repay those who protect the nation's most valuable resource — freedom. It also gave Cannon members the chance to exercise and work with the Clovis community.

"I was inspired mostly to do this run because of Mr. McKinney (Dan McKinney, a former Prisoner of War and Hall of Heroes inductee) and the other heroes currently on the wall that I have been able to meet and enjoy time with," Daniels added. "I enjoy giving back to charities and to those who have done amazing things - it's a sense of pride to run."

"In the end, it was about running for sacrifices," she continued. "Being part of Air Force Special Operations Command and having the pleasure to work with and meet so many amazing Airmen really made me think; why not give to charities that could perhaps care for them and their families down the line?"